Washington

20 Jan, 2011

Kitsap Economic Development Alliance is pleased to announce today Profile Composites has stated their intent to open a training, manufacturing and R&D facility at the Port of Bremerton. Profile Composites owner, Geoff Wood, outlined his company’s goals and plans for the 10,000 SF space in the Olympic View Business Park, Building 1. Details of the expansion were announced at the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance’s Decision Makers Breakfast. Lease negotiations with the Port of Bremerton are moving forward.

“We are very pleased to welcome Profile Composites to Washington, and I congratulate the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, the Port of Bremerton and Kitsap County on this exciting addition to the community,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “This further enhances Washington’s worldwide reputation as an emerging center for composites and advanced manufacturing.”

The British Columbia company’s expansion to the U.S. consists of advanced composite manufacturing of collapsible wheelchairs, sport crutches and other assistive products, and adds 200 jobs over the next five years. The company also may bring a portion of its aerospace R&D and production business to the Port of Bremerton operation. Geoff Wood, President of Profile NA notes “Profile is very pleased to be able to participate and help lead this tremendous opportunity made possible through our partnering with NCMS, A&P Technology, state and local governments, and the enthusiasm and assistance of Bremerton and Kitsap County. We see this type of cooperative business venture as significantly contributing to the rapid growth in the field of advanced composites.”

Additional R&D work will be performed at the Port of Bremerton location by Cincinnati firm, A&P Technology.

“A&P Technology (www.braider.com) is very excited to be part of Profile Composites’ move into Kitsap County,” says Pam Schneider, A&P Technology Executive Vice President. “We have enjoyed a great relationship with Profile Composites and have proven our ability to come up with customer solutions together in this partnership. We consider Geoff a true innovator in the composites industry.”

A commitment of $100,000 of WIA (Workforce Investment Act) training funds for Profile Composites was announced at the Decision Makers Breakfast as well. The company will provide on-the-job training to able and disabled persons, particularly veterans, in advanced composite manufacturing. The company is designing training and manufacturing facilities to accommodate all levels of physical ability. WorkSource, Skookum, and Olympic College will assist the company with workforce recruitment, and integrating the company’s training with applicable established degree and certificate programs. Total project cost is approximately $10.4 million over the first 5 years.

“Creation of family wage jobs must remain our top priority,” said Congressman Norm Dicks (WA-06). “I am excited that we are strengthening Washington State’s leadership in advanced composites manufacturing, bringing new jobs to Kitsap County, and expanding economic opportunities for veterans with this initiative.”

Profile Composites selected Bremerton and Kitsap County for it US location in part because of strong ties with National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) and their West Coast office in Bremerton. Michael Fancher, Senior Program Manager with NCMS in Bremerton, says, “We have had the pleasure of working with Geoff in collaboration with other companies as part of extraordinarily fruitful R&D projects in advanced composites. Profile Composites along with these other partners, prominently including A&P Technology, are shining examples of the power of collaboration and innovative thinking. We are confident great things will come of planting this seed here, to benefit Kitsap County and the State of Washington.”

“This was truly an example of partnership in economic development”, notes Bill Stewart, KEDA Executive Director. “The support and cooperation of partners like NCMS, Port of Bremerton, City of Bremerton, WA State Department of Commerce, WorkSource, the Governor’s office, congressional staff and Olympic College are what makes KEDA’s work rewarding.”

“Good jobs are the way out of this recession, and advanced manufacturing is a growing bright spot in Washington’s recovery,” said Rogers Weed, Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. “Composites are ushering in a new era for key industry sectors including aerospace and clean energy, and we need to keep moving Washington forward, competing for the best companies and workforce to secure our economic future.”

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is a private nonprofit 501(c)(6) corporation. Founded in June 1983, our goal is to attract and retain jobs and investments in Kitsap County that generate wealth, enhance the quality of life and embrace future generations.

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